Orthopedic Reflexology Course

Reflexology Academy is pleased to be hosting one of Greece's leading reflexologists and former Chair of Reflexology in Europe Network (RIEN) Mr. Spiros Dimitrakoulas, to teach his inspiring and unique Orthopedic Reflexology courses.

ORTHOPEDIC REFLEXOLOGY

Orthopedic Reflexology is about utilizing the experience one has obtained in discriminating the reflex areas or the condition of the foot's tissues and then applying the correct technique, the proper amount of pressure for the appropriate amount of time, to achieve the "medium" as taught by Hippocrates in order for nature to heal. Orthopedic Reflexology practitioners use the condition of the tissues of the feet as a guide. Anatomical charts to understand the reflexes, zones, meridians and fascia, as well as to effectively manipulate the feet.

Orthopedic Reflexology will teach the theory and practical approaches of Hippocrates and Galens guide on the effects of "rubbing" – Anatripsis; the four meridians of Hippocrates, Orthopedic reflexology maps, understanding pain and a deeper exploration of the history and origin of reflexology and the "science" behind it. In Orthopedic Reflexology we also learn how to assist many local foot problems such as halux valgus and hammer toes, which in turn affects and helps treat disorders of the myoskeletal system and the internal organs.

Orthopedic Reflexology is based on the teachings of Hippocrates, the father of western medicine.This regards the art of rubbing - Anatripsis. Hippocrates wrote small concise passages on rubbing which he considered easy to learn and apply. Scattered in the Hippocratic corpus many references to rubbing (and of the feet) can be found.

During this 3 day instructive course you will be taught the anatomy of the feet which will include the four muscle layers, connective tissue e.g plantar fascia and retinaculum, the location of the bones of the feet and the route of the tendons and peripheral nerves entering the feet. Participants will be taught how to effectively treat all these structures, and make correlations within their existing knowledge and integrate the new techniques into their own existing practice.

The basis of the training is learning the theoretical and practical approaches of Hippocrates and Galen on the effects of "rubbing" – Anatripsis, as they have been handed down to us from their original books. Hippocrates describes in detail four main “veins” that are considered the forefather of the Chinese meridians. The Hippocratic veins will be outlined theoretically in detail, and approached practically until the knee and elbow respectively.During the course attention is given to understanding modern concepts of pain and the “science” behind Reflexology and utilizing this knowledge in our every day work. The history and origin of reflexology is reviewed.

Upon completion of training in Orthopedic Reflexology participants will have the capacity to alleviate complementary to standard care of local foot problems such as hallux valgus and hammer toes, which in turn reflexively affect and help treat disorders found in other parts of the body.

Please note - Orthopedic reflexology is open to all, not only reflexologists. Therapists who are new to working the feet will notice the differences, and body workers can integrate the techniques learnt immediately into their practice.

In short...

- if you ever wanted to specialize in the lower limbs (anatomy physiology),- if you ever wondered why what you already do with Reflexology is helpful,- if you wonder why you are NOT helping,- if you ever wanted to be introduced to the sphere of Greek medicine

This course is for you!

The majority of the course is focused on the practical applications of the Orthopedic Reflexology techniques. There are many structures in our feet and each one requires a unique technique.

Orthopedic Reflexology 3 Day Course

• Hippocrates and Galens guide on the effects of "rubbing" Anatripsis• Anatomy of the foot• Hippocrates 4 pairs of Veins (meridians)• Muscle chains/ Zones/ Chinese meridians/ Nerve pathways• Orthopedic Reflexology Maps• Hippocrates Holistic approach• The 'science' behind reflexology• Effective techniques for local foot problems such as hallux valgus and hammer toes• Explain Pain-understanding the modern concepts• Referenced Reflexology History - Why is this important for the outcome of your treatment and for our future as a profession?

Students will receive the Hippocrates corpus in digital form, the four Hippocratic meridians and many other resources which can be used for reference purposes and for personal marketing.

Hippocratic Anatripsis (rubbing – kneading) is a One Day Massage Training Course following the principles as taught by Hippocrates and Galen. It aims to complement the knowledge and skills learnt in Orthopedic Reflexology but is open to all reflexologists and massage therapists who wish to add to their existing skills. To read more on this one day training click HERE.

Spiros Dimitrakoulas is the founder and originator of Orthopedic Reflexology , he teaches reflexology to students at Natural Health Science in Athens, Greece. He is also a tutor for MNT-NR (Nerve Reflexology), teaching both AT-R (anatomical topographical reflexology) and Nerve Reflexology courses. In addition to his reflexology courses he also teaches the Art of Hippocratic Kneading and his disciplines include Su Jok , Tui Na massage (Tiangin university, China) , ear acupuncture and fascia therapy. Former President of the Hellenic Association of Reflexology (HAR) and Chair of Reflexology in Europe Network - RIEN, which aims to progress reflexology within Europe, developing standards in education and promoting research into reflexology. Spiros has worked Voluntarily in the pain clinic of the University hospital of Aretaieio in Athens, and has also given lectures and workshops for physiotherapists, Anaesthsiologists at the palliative congresses in Greece. Over the last five years he has led the Athens Classic Marathon, NIKERUN and for numerous other sports events massage & reflexology teams of volunteers. Since 2012 he has been working as Reflexologist for the handball team Diomidis Argos, who won the Greek Championship and European Cup in 2012, and is where he refined Orthopedic Reflexology. His Reflexology interest and specialization is in pain, sports and the elderly - centenarians. Currently he is integrating people with disabilities in Reflexology training.